Section 906.1/Portable Fire Extinguishers
IFC 906 covers portable fire extinguisher placement, travel distance (75 ft Class A, 50 ft Class B), size, type, and mounting height.
Portable fire extinguishers must be provided in all occupancies except Group R-3 (one/two-family dwellings) per Section 906.1. Extinguishers for ordinary (Class A) hazards must be within 75 feet travel distance of any point on the floor. For extra (Class B) hazards, the travel distance is 50 feet. Extinguishers must be mounted so the top is not more than 5 feet above the floor (3.5 feet for units over 40 pounds). The bottom must be at least 4 inches above the floor. Extinguishers must be located along normal paths of travel, near exits, and be clearly visible or marked with signage.
Why this section exists
Portable fire extinguishers allow building occupants to suppress small fires before they grow beyond control. The travel distance limits ensure an extinguisher is always nearby when a fire starts. The mounting height ensures accessibility while keeping the extinguisher off the floor where it could be kicked or obstructed. Even in fully sprinklered buildings, extinguishers are required because they allow immediate response before sprinklers activate.
What plan reviewers look for
Plan reviewers check the floor plans for extinguisher locations and verify the maximum travel distance from any point to the nearest extinguisher. They check that extinguisher types match the hazard (Class A for ordinary combustibles, Class B for flammable liquids, Class K for commercial kitchens). They verify mounting heights and visibility. For commercial kitchens, they check for Class K extinguishers in addition to Class A:B:C units.